Uma Musume Pretty Derby and Hanshin Racecourse
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a multimedia content franchise that reimagines real racehorses as beautiful girls, with racecourses operated by the Japan Racing Association (JRA) serving as important settings. Among these, Hanshin Racecourse (located in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture) is depicted in anime episode 2 “Sudden Debut Race” as the memorable venue where Special Week makes her debut, becoming a sacred pilgrimage site for many fans.
In the game “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” it is implemented as Hanshin Racecourse and is one of the important racecourses that frequently appears in training mode and team competitions. The actual Hanshin Racecourse is located at 1-1 Koma-cho, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, and serves as the main racecourse for JRA West Japan, hosting the Hanshin Horse Racing twice yearly in spring and autumn.
Basic Information About Hanshin Racecourse
Hanshin Racecourse is a historic racecourse that opened in 1907 (Meiji 40), featuring modern grandstands that were renovated in 2006. With a capacity of approximately 130,000 spectators, it hosts major GI races such as the Sakura Blossom Award, Takarazuka Kinen, and Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, serving as the center of Kansai horse racing.
Location: 1-1 Koma-cho, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access: Approximately 2 minutes walk from Hanshin Electric Railway’s “Hanshin Racecourse Station”
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on race days (varies by season)
Admission: 200 yen (free for under 15)
Hanshin Racecourse Appearances in Anime “Uma Musume Pretty Derby”
Episode 2 “Sudden Debut Race” Setting
In episode 2 of the first season of the anime, Special Week’s debut race is depicted at Hanshin Racecourse. This episode is an important scene marking Special Week’s first step as an Uma Musume and remains memorable for many fans.
The actual racehorse Special Week debuted on March 1, 1998 in a maiden race at Hanshin Racecourse and achieved a victorious result. The anime faithfully recreates this historical fact while expressing it through Uma Musume’s unique worldview.
Depiction of Stands and Paddock
The anime portrays the Hanshin Racecourse stands and paddock in detail. The following scenes are particularly impressive:
- Full view of stands: The course as seen from the spectator seating
- Paddock: The place where Uma Musume walk around before races
- Winners Circle: The commemorative photo spot after victory
- Near central entrance: Scenes where Tracen Academy members gather
These locations exist at the actual Hanshin Racecourse and have become main pilgrimage spots.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide: Highlights of Hanshin Racecourse Stands
Stand 3rd Floor Paddock Observation Area
The 3rd floor of Hanshin Racecourse’s stands has an observation area overlooking the paddock. This is a popular spot visited by many fans as the place where trainers watched over Uma Musume in the anime.
Pilgrimage Points:
- Optimal photo spot with panoramic view of the paddock
- Ability to observe actual horses before races
- Possible to take photos from the same angle as the anime
Central Entrance and Main Stands
The area near the central entrance of the main stands appears in anime scenes where characters gather. It is characterized by modern architectural design following renovation, with an open space of glass-walled architecture.
Viewing Points:
- Features a distinctive open atrium space
- Observation spot overlooking the entire racecourse
- Well-equipped restaurants and cafes
Winners Circle
The Winners Circle where commemorative photos are taken after race victories is a special place for Uma Musume fans. The anime features a scene where Special Week celebrates her debut race victory in this location.
Normally, the Winners Circle is off-limits to the general public, but there are opportunities to get close through racecourse tours. Even from the perimeter, you can sufficiently experience the atmosphere.
Course and Track Views
Hanshin Racecourse’s course features a turf course with outer loop 2,089m and inner loop 1,689m, and a dirt course of 1,518m on a right-handed turn. From the stands, you can see the entire course, and on race day, you can watch thrilling horse racing.
Photography Spots:
- Full view from the top floor of the stands
- Premium seats near the finish line
- General seating on the backstretch side
Strategy Guide for Hanshin Racecourse in Game “Uma Musume Pretty Derby”
Characteristics and Course Compatibility of Hanshin Racecourse
The Hanshin Racecourse in-game is implemented as a right-handed turn course with the following characteristics:
Course Characteristics:
- Right turn: Disadvantageous for Uma Musume that excel at left turns
- Slopes: Uphill in the final straight, making power important
- Four corners: More corners on the outer loop
- Straight: 356.5m (outer loop), relatively short
Hanshin Racecourse ◯ Skill Effects
“Hanshin Racecourse ◯” is a normal skill that slightly increases speed during races at Hanshin Racecourse. It becomes advantageous to learn this skill when challenging important races held at Hanshin.
Skill Effects:
- Speed slightly increases when race venue is Hanshin
- Activation condition: Race venue is Hanshin Racecourse
- Skill level: Normal
Learning Methods:
- Learn from specific support cards
- Obtain through event choices
- Some Uma Musume possess this innately
List of Major Races Held at Hanshin Racecourse
The major races held at Hanshin Racecourse in-game are as follows:
Classic Class (3-year-olds):
- Sakura Blossom Award (early April, turf 1600m, fillies only GI)
- Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (mid-December, turf 1600m, fillies only GI)
- Asahi Cup Futurity Stakes (late December, turf 1600m, GI)
Senior Class (3-year-olds and up):
- Takarazuka Kinen (late June, turf 2200m, GI)
- Osaka Cup (late March, turf 2000m, GI)
- Hanshin Cup (mid-December, turf 1400m, GII)
Other Important Races:
- Tulip Award (Sakura Blossom Award trial)
- Spring Stakes (Satsuki Award trial)
- Saint-Urr Stakes (Sprinters Stakes preliminary)
Training Strategy at Hanshin Racecourse
To raise Uma Musume that excel in races at Hanshin Racecourse, keep the following points in mind:
Important Stats:
- Power: Most critical for slope countermeasures
- Speed: Basic speed increase
- Wisdom: Important for a course with many corners
Compatibility:
- Right-turn compatibility B rank or higher
- Distance compatibility adjusted according to target race
- Mile to middle-distance compatibility is essential
Recommended Skills:
- Hanshin Racecourse ◯
- Right turn ◯
- Corner Expert ◯
- Slope ◯
- Straight Expert (lower priority due to short straight)
Visiting Guide to the Actual Hanshin Racecourse
Access Methods
By Train:
- Hanshin Electric Railway Main Line “Hanshin Racecourse Station” – approximately 2 minutes walk (nearest station)
- JR Takarazuka Line “Nikawa Station” – approximately 15 minutes walk
- Hankyu Imazu Line “Nikawa Station” – approximately 15 minutes walk
By Car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Takarazuka IC” on the Chugoku Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes from “Nishi-Nishinomiya IC” on the Hanshin Expressway
- Parking: Approximately 3,000 spaces (paid, congested on race days)
Admission Fees and Opening Hours
Admission Fees:
- General: 200 yen
- Under 15: Free
- Green seat: 1,000 yen (reserved seat)
- Turfie Sheet: 3,000 yen (special viewing seat)
Opening Hours:
- Race days: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (approximately 30 minutes after final race)
- Off-track betting days: 9:00 AM – until betting closes
- Non-racing days: Generally closed (except for special events)
In-Venue Facilities and Food Information
Hanshin Racecourse offers various facilities that Uma Musume fans can enjoy:
Dining Facilities:
- Turf Buffet (all-you-can-eat style)
- Cafeteria (light meals and drinks)
- Food court (various cuisines)
- Dishes using local Hyogo Prefecture specialties
Other Facilities:
- Betting ticket counters (many automatic machines)
- Horse Racing Museum corner
- Kids space (popular with families)
- Park zone (peaceful green space)
Important Notes for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Etiquette and Rules:
- Photography limited to personal use (commercial use prohibited)
- Be considerate of other visitors
- Avoid loud conversation during races
- Show consideration for horses and jockeys
Recommended Visit Times:
- Spring season (March-June): Sakura Blossom Award, Takarazuka Kinen, etc.
- Fall season (September-December): Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, Asahi Cup Futurity, etc.
- Weekdays are relatively quiet for leisurely viewing
- Arrive early on GI race days due to congestion
Uma Musume Collaboration Events and Hanshin Racecourse
Past Collaboration Projects
JRA and “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” collaborations are held regularly at various racecourses. Hanshin Racecourse has hosted the following types of projects:
Example Collaboration Content:
- Limited merchandise sales (clear files, can badges, etc.)
- Standing panel displays
- Photo spot installations
- Original novelty distributions
- Voice actor talk events (some occasions)
Merchandise Sales Information
Uma Musume-related merchandise can be purchased at merchandise shops within the racecourse and anime shops like Animate. Uma Musume merchandise with Hanshin Racecourse-exclusive designs are sometimes sold, which collectors cannot afford to miss.
Popular Merchandise:
- Acrylic stands with Hanshin Racecourse design
- Race venue-specific character illustration goods
- Collaboration commemorative T-shirts
- Limited can badge sets
History of Hanshin Racecourse and the Uma Musume World
Memories of Champion Horses
Hanshin Racecourse has been the setting for many legendary horses’ achievements. Many of the characters appearing in “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” are also actually horses that performed at Hanshin Racecourse:
Notable Horses That Performed at Hanshin (Uma Musume Characters):
- Special Week: Debut race victory (1998)
- Taiki Shuttle: Sprinters Stakes consecutive wins
- Grass Wonder: Takarazuka Kinen victory (1999)
- El Condor Passer: Mainichi King Cup victory
- Uokkā: Hanshin Filly Stakes victory
Evolution of the Racecourse
Since its opening in 1907, Hanshin Racecourse has undergone several renovations to reach its current form:
- 1907: Opening
- 1991: First large-scale renovation
- 2006: Main stand complete renovation
- Present: Modern state-of-the-art racecourse
What is depicted in anime and games is the image of Hanshin Racecourse following the 2006 renovation.
Surrounding Tourism Information for Uma Musume Fans
Points of Interest in the Takarazuka Area
Takarazuka City, where Hanshin Racecourse is located, is a cultural city famous for the Takarazuka Revue. You can enjoy sightseeing in combination with a racecourse visit:
Tourist Attractions:
- Takarazuka Grand Theater: Headquarters of Takarazuka Revue
- Osamu Tezuka Commemoration Museum: Exhibits by the god of manga
- Kiyoshi Kozandoji Temple: Famous for luck purification
- Takarazuka Hot Spring: Day-trip bathing facilities available
Food Information
Gourmet in Takarazuka and Hanshin Areas:
- Takarazuka Ramen (many popular local shops)
- Hanshin area confectioneries (close to Kobe, many famous shops)
- Cafes along the Mukogawa River
Accommodation
For visitors from distant areas, the following areas are convenient for lodging:
- Hotels within Takarazuka City (near the racecourse)
- Nishi-Nishinomiya and Amagasaki areas (along Hanshin Electric Railway line)
- Osaka and Kobe (major cities, approximately 30 minutes by train)
Copyright and Content Usage
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” copyright is held by Cygames Inc. When conducting pilgrimage activities or fan activities, please note the following points:
Usage Precautions:
- Unauthorized reposting of game images or anime footage prohibited
- Secondary creation must follow official guidelines
- Photography at racecourses limited to personal use
- Imitation and sale of official merchandise is illegal
Official Relationships:
This article is an individual fan site and has no official relationship with Cygames Inc., JRA, or Hanshin Racecourse. Information posted reflects conditions as of 2024 and is subject to change.
Comparison with Other Racecourses
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” features many racecourses beyond Hanshin:
Racecourses in the Kansai Region
Kyoto Racecourse (Kyoto Prefecture):
- Left-handed turn course
- Hosts GI races including the Emperor’s Award (Spring) and Chrysanthemum Award
- Approximately 1 hour by train from Hanshin
Chukyo Racecourse (Aichi Prefecture):
- Left-handed turn course
- Hosts GI races including the Takamatsunomiya Memorial
Racecourses in the Kanto Region
Tokyo Racecourse (Fuchu, Tokyo):
- Left-handed turn, home of the Japan Derby
- Japan’s largest racecourse
Nakayama Racecourse (Funabashi, Chiba):
- Right-handed turn, home of the Arima Kinen
- Characterized by steep slopes
Among these racecourses, Hanshin Racecourse is known as a “well-balanced course,” serving as a stage where diverse types of Uma Musume can perform.
Summary: The Appeal of Hanshin Racecourse and Uma Musume
Hanshin Racecourse holds a memorable place in the world of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” as the venue for Special Week’s debut race, and numerous important races are held here in-game as well. The actual Hanshin Racecourse in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, features beautiful stands and complete facilities as depicted in anime and games, making it a popular sacred pilgrimage spot.
A visit allows you not only to relive anime scenes but also to experience the excitement and appeal of real horse racing. For Uma Musume fans, Hanshin Racecourse is not merely a sacred site but the actual “stage of dreams” where characters raced.
In game strategy as well, understanding the characteristics of Hanshin Racecourse and raising Uma Musume with appropriate skills and stats brings you closer to victory in renowned races such as the Sakura Blossom Award and Takarazuka Kinen.
Please visit Hanshin Racecourse’s stands at least once and witness with your own eyes the landscape where Uma Musume raced. There awaits a special emotion that cannot be felt through games and anime alone.
